While I was wondering around this year’s Whisky Live with a friend from my Whisky Club (MMI) he got talking to two really cool guys from Holland both called Nils who have a store called Best Of Whiskies. One Nils was walking around with a bottle under his harm which turned out to be this single cask bottling for the Dutch market and very kindly let us try some.

I’ve tried a few single cask Glendronachs, but all sherry and the vast majority PX, which to be honest isn’t really for me and it’s been getting quite tedious for me, so seeing this one which was quite different was awesome. Virgin Oak (brand spanking new casks) doesn’t work so well with every whisky, but I’m always willing to try something different.

Aged 13 years. 53.9%ABV. Matured in a virgin oak hogshead. No colourant added, non-chill filtered and bottled at cask strength from cask 1751.

Nose: Rich wood. Woodspice. Lactic. Caramel. Light pepper. Oolong tea. Apple pie.

Palate: Peach iced tea. Creme brulee. Woodspice. Sandalwood.

Finish: Long. Sandalwood. Bitter wood. Butterscotch. Cacao.

Would I buy this: Yes

Would I order this in a bar: Yes

Would I drink this if someone gave me a glass: Yes

VFM: 3/5

I quite enjoyed this one. It was very light and fruity and quite an interesting departure from the typical Glendronach profile. I’m pleased to say that the virgin oak worked quite well here.